Actually, I REALLY like Denver Metro riding. Can't think of much better on a year around basis as long as the cyclist stays on the trails or certain streets. I like it so much I keep a bike there. But, once off the trails with the exception of certain streets the cycling becomes very hazardous very quickly.

Actually, there are so many beautiful spots in the world that there's no one best place to ride. I'm glad you're happy where you live, OP. I live in a 2.2 million acre forest west of Glacier National Park and absolutely love riding the unimproved forest roads. I find the forest so peaceful, although I do stay alert for wildlife, especially bears and mountain lions. So, here's to all the wonderful places in the world to ride a bike.

Try it in February before you decide. I've ridden year-round in Reno, Nev., for more than 30 years, and when my son moved to Denver, I figured it wouldn't be that much different. It's often 15 or 20 degrees colder, and the roads stay icy way longer.

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience riding in Maui. Just curious as to what the problems were.

Renting a road bike I found the people in the shops were rude and dismissive. "Don't you really want a mountain bike or city bike?" Went for a group ride that was advertised as a fully supported fun ride. Since I'm a newbie I checked in advance to see if I'd fit in. The shop told me I would and that there would be all kinds of speed levels on the ride. When we started out we hadn't gone two blocks until I was by myself. After awhile someone from the staff came back to ride with me, making it plain I was not up to the ride. At the end I asked how the riding was on Maui. The answer was that it was wonderful. I asked if that included us gray haired people. He answered that in his years on Maui he hadn't seen any senior riders.

Riding around the North and South ends of the island are a pain due to traffic congfestion. Come to think of it riding down condo row isn't exactly a piece of cake. This from me, who routinely rides on major roads with vehicles whizzing by a couple feet away.

The bike shop locals have a particular role in mind for gray haired tourists and apparently can't handle deviation from that image. Plus, unlike most of the places I've been in the Islands the bike shops there were very much into the "give me your money and move on" mode. In my travels I've rarely run into this and on Maui it contrasts radically with the people in the scuba and touring industries, which are very friendly and helpful.

When I lived there I loved western New England--Vermont, western New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. I enjoyed the scale of the roads, variety of terrain, and shelter from sun and wind provided by trees and changes in direction . And my summer of riding around Saratoga Springs, NY, was wonderful.